State Minister for foreign affairs Md Shahriar Alam has urged the UN human rights chief to ‘verify’ information related to Bangladesh’s human rights situation to avoid exaggeration. He was meeting with United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Madame Michelle Bachelet in Geneva on Wednesday.
The State Minister reiterated Bangladesh government’s willingness to continue to work closely, the foreign ministry said. Referring to the High Commissioner’s comment on Bangladesh during her recent global round up in the ongoing session of the Human Rights Council, he highlighted the “risks associated when UN bodies use unconfirmed information”.
He requested him to verify information related from alternative sources. The state minister also briefed her about the history of Bangladesh, and said the upcoming celebration of ‘Mujib Year’ gives the nation an opportunity to reflect on the values and ideals of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who struggled for a secular and pluralistic society.
“Bangabandhu’s daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is committed to strengthen the roots of democratic norms, rule of law and respect to human rights in Bangladesh,” he said. The High Commissioner for Human Rights acknowledged Bangladesh’s proven track record as a trusted partner of the UN and recognised Bangladesh’s achievement of the SDGs as well as the government’s commitment to uphold rule of law.
She also commended the government’s efforts in hosting the forcibly displaced Rohingyas despite scarcity of resources. She lauded, in particular, the government for allowing education for the Rohingya children. She also accepted the State Minister’s invitation to visit Bangladesh in the context of the Mujib Year.
The State Minister was in Geneva in connection with the launch of the ‘Joint Response Plan for Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis’. He also met with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees on Tuesday.
